Robotics Team Roles Robotics and Automation Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All Rights Reserved 1

Goals 2 Students will understand the purpose of a team; the purpose of a robotics team; the functions of a robotics team; the roles of a robotics team; how to create a robotics team; and how to assign robotics team roles. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All Rights Reserved

Terms 3 Team – a group of people working together. Teammate – a person on the same team. Teamwork – joint action by a group of people. Robotics – the science or technology of robots, their design, and use. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All Rights Reserved

Purpose of a Team 4 A team is a group of people working together. A team has a purpose and uses that purpose to contribute to its success. A team increases the ability of each teammate to better serve the team by participating in planning, problem solving, and decision making. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All Rights Reserved

Purpose of a Robotics Team 5 Robotics teams teach students about engineering and technology. Student teams design, build, and test robots, while learning concepts of math and science. Teams have the opportunity to participate in competitions against other student teams. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All Rights Reserved

Functions of a Robotics Team 6 Successful robotics teams exhibit flexibility and productivity in the following functions. Team FunctionsDefinitions 1. AccountabilityThe fact or condition of being accountable; responsible. 2. Clear GoalsThe process of setting realistic goals based on a person’s skill set and abilities. 3. CommunicationThe process of exchanging information within the team. 4. CollaborationThe action of working with a team to produce a robot. 5. Conflict ResolutionThe process of constructively resolving a disagreement between teammates. 6. Decision MakingThe action or process of making decisions, especially important ones. 7. LeadershipThe action of leading a robotics team. 8. TrustThe belief in a teammate’s honesty, ability, and reliability. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All Rights Reserved

Roles on the Robotics Team 7 Before getting started, assign roles to each teammate on the robotics team. Role assignment ensures that each teammate participates in project activities. You may assign the below roles to the teammates. Project ManagerTechnical Writer Research ScientistRobot Design Engineer Computer ProgrammerStrategic Planner Quality Control Specialist Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All Rights Reserved

Creating a Robotics Team 8 The goal of forming a robotics team is to assign every teammate a role that they want to do and have the skills to do. Review the roles on the robotics team and discuss the interests and strengths of teammates. Project ManagerTechnical Writer Research ScientistsRobot Design Engineer Computer ProgrammerStrategic Planner Quality Control Specialist Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All Rights Reserved

Assigning Roles on the Robotics Team 9 Robotics Team RolesResponsibilitiesSkills Required Project Manager Assigns responsibilities / tasks Sets the project schedule Monitors progress and participation Leads the practice meetings Communicates information to the team Strong communication skills Leadership skills Organization skills Efficiency skills Problem solving skills Assign the role of Project Manager using these guidelines. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All Rights Reserved

Assigning Roles on the Robotics Team 10 Robotics Team RolesResponsibilitiesSkills Required Technical Writer Documents team progress and ideas Keeps track of all materials Organizes information in a visual aid Strong organization skills Strong writing skills, including the ability to write quickly Creative thinking skills Artistic skills Observant and detail oriented Assign the role of Technical Writer using these guidelines. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All Rights Reserved

Assigning Roles on the Robotics Team 11 Robotics Team RolesResponsibilitiesSkills Required Research Scientist Leads team efforts to gather information and prepare research Develops project and presentation Strong research skills Strong public speaking skills Strong organization skills Creative thinking skills Interest in space exploration Assign the role of Research Scientist using these guidelines. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All Rights Reserved

Assigning Roles on the Robotics Team 12 Robotics Team RolesResponsibilitiesSkills Required Robot Design Engineer Understands rules about the robotics project Leads team on building the robot Guides ideas for a realistic model Develops technical presentation Strong teamwork skills Communication skills Knowledge about robots and how to build them Some knowledge of gears and motors Assign the role of Robot Design Engineer using these guidelines. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All Rights Reserved

Assigning Roles on the Robotics Team 13 Robotics Team RolesResponsibilitiesSkills Required Computer Programmer Understands rules about the robotics project Develops all programming code Develops technical presentation Works closely with the Computer Design Engineer and the Strategic Planner Strong logic skills Strong computer skills Strong teamwork skills Communication skills Prior programming experience Assign the role of Computer Programmer using these guidelines. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All Rights Reserved

Assigning Roles on the Robotics Team 14 Robotics Team RolesResponsibilitiesSkills Required Strategic Planner Understands rules about the robotics project Develops final plan for project Works closely with the Computer Programmer and the Design Engineer Tests robot and identifies possible weak points Recommends improvements Strong problem solving skills Strong communication skills – especially conveying clear ideas Strong analytical skills Teamwork skills Willingness to learn about programming and building Assign the role of Strategic Planner using these guidelines. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All Rights Reserved

Assigning Roles to the Robotics Team 15 Robotics Team RolesResponsibilitiesSkills Required Quality Control Specialist Understands rules about the robotics project Develops final team plan Works closely with the Computer Programmer and the Design Engineer Tests robot and identifies possible weak points Recommends improvements Strong problem solving skills Strong communication skills – especially conveying clear ideas Strong analytical skills Teamwork skills Willingness to learn about programming and building Assign the role of Quality Control Specialist using these guidelines. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All Rights Reserved

Assignment 16 Are you ready to form your own robotics team? Do you want to be part of a team that designs and tests a robot? Begin Assignment: 1.Visit the NASA education website and click the link for Lesson Plans. Source: 2. Form a robotics team. 3. Select a robotics project from the NASA website. 4. Decide how the team will function and determine team roles. 5. Prepare a presentation and discuss with your teacher and classmates. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All Rights Reserved